Bavarian manufacturer shows off all-electric machine based on the S 1000 RR superbike.

BMW unveils electric superbike

BMW's Motorrad division has announced details of a new "experimental vehicle": an all-electric superbike known as the eRR.

Produced in conjunction with the Technical University of Munich, the prototype follows the same principles of the recently released i3 and i8 road cars: combining revolutionary design and zero emissions technology. The eRR is based on the S 1000 RR superbike, but employs all-electric propulsion.

BMW isn't disclosing full technical details of the eRR as yet, but promises more information at a later date. What it has confirmed is that the electric version will in fact be faster than the production machine's highly potent 999cc engine in jumping off the line.

"[During] acceleration, handling or topspeed - the RR [sets the] standards," the head of BMW Motorrad, Stephan Schaller, said. "However, if acceleration on the first metres, up to 50km/h, 60km/h, is the point, the RR's 146kW have to admit defeat by another BMW product: the C evolution with its electric drive.

BMW has released images and minor details of its new eRR electric superbike concept. Photo: Supplied.

"We asked ourselves: What happens when combining a sport motorcycle and an electric drive? The experimental vehicle eRR brings the topic zero emission and electric drive on a new, more fascinating level."